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Spain implements new traffic regulations for scooters and motorcycles
New traffic regulations in Spain, introduced via Royal Decree 518/2026, entered into force on October 1, 2026. The reform aims to enhance protection for 'vulnerable road users,' a new formal category including pedestrians, cyclists, electric scooter users, and motorcyclists.
Electric scooter (VMP) users face several new requirements: a minimum operating age of 15, mandatory use of certified helmets, and the requirement to use reflective elements or lights at night or in low visibility. While permanent daytime lighting is mandated, this specific requirement will not be enforceable until October 1, 2027. Scooters are prohibited from using sidewalks and must adhere to a 25 km/h speed limit.
Motorcyclists are subject to new equipment mandates, including compulsory closed footwear on all roads and protective gloves when traveling on interurban roads. Additionally, the reform allows motorcyclists to use the shoulder of the road during traffic congestion at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. Other changes include stricter rules for cyclists on interurban roads and new safety protocols for taxi drivers regarding seatbelts.
Entities
ANE_SDOR · Alicante · Congreso de Intendentes · DGT · Dirección General de Tráfico · Pere Navarro · Portugal · Real Decreto 518/2026 · Spain · Uruguay
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Electric scooter users must use reflective elements at night or in low visibility conditions. www.benaventedigital.es · elfarodeceuta.es · www.lavozdetomelloso.com · www.moncloa.com · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The use of a certified helmet is now mandatory for electric scooter users. www.benaventedigital.es · elfarodeceuta.es · www.lavozdetomelloso.com · www.moncloa.com · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Municipalities may maintain amber flashing traffic lights at pedestrian crossings if they provide a technical report justifying that changes would cause more harm than benefit. www.elnacional.cat
- [● 6 SOURCES] A minimum age of 15 years is now required to operate Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP), such as electric scooters. www.benaventedigital.es · elfarodeceuta.es · www.lavozdetomelloso.com · www.moncloa.com · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The requirement for permanent lighting on VMPs will not be enforceable until October 1, 2027. www.benaventedigital.es · elfarodeceuta.es · navarra.okdiario.com
- [DISPUTED] The reform of the General Traffic Regulations entered into force on October 1, 2026. www.benaventedigital.es · elfarodeceuta.es · www.elnacional.cat · www.lavozdetomelloso.com · www.moncloa.com · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Motorcyclists must wear closed footwear on all types of roads. motociclismo.pt · canalblau.tv · www.20minutos.es
- [● 4 SOURCES] Motorcyclists must wear protective gloves on interurban roads. motociclismo.pt · canalblau.tv · www.20minutos.es · www.theuth.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] The reform introduces a formal definition of 'vulnerable road user', including pedestrians, cyclists, VMP users, and motorcyclists. www.lavozdetomelloso.com · navarra.okdiario.com